2008 Woodie Awards
Being Smart About Safety
Christopher Price
Issue date: 7/11/07 Section: Campus Life
In today's increasingly fast-paced world, the threat of crime is always apparent. However, many people leave their crime prevention senses at home, when they head to the office. The Spokesman staff extends a friendly reminder to always bring your senses with you when you come to work. That being said, here are some tips to staying safe at the job:
Keep your purse, wallet, keys, or other valuable items with you a all times or locked in a drawer, safe, or closet.
Check the identity of any strangers who are in your office - be sure to find out who they are.
Always let someone know where you'll be, and how long you generally expect to be there.
If you bring personal items to work, such as a radio, clock, or coffee pot, mark them with your name or initials, and an identification number
Report any broken or flickering lights, dimly lit corridors, or broken doors or windows. Be proactive - don't wait for someone else to do it.
Be discreet. Don't advertise your social life or vacation plans and those of your co-workers to people visiting or calling your place of work.
Take a look and be aware of these common trouble spots:
Reception area - Ensure that there is a panic button or silent alarm within the reach of the receptionist.
Stairwells - Report any dimly-lit stairwells, and do not travel alone when using them.
Elevator - Do not ride elevators with suspicious or out-of-place individuals.
Restrooms - Attackers can hide in stalls. Be aware of public restrooms, or only use locked restrooms that employees contain the keys to.
Parking lots or garages - Choose a well-lit, well-guarded parking garage. Always lock your car and roll the windows all the way up. Keep all valuable or uncommon items out of sight. Have your keys ready when you approach your car, and lock your car as soon as you get in - before you buckle your seat belt.
Keep your purse, wallet, keys, or other valuable items with you a all times or locked in a drawer, safe, or closet.
Check the identity of any strangers who are in your office - be sure to find out who they are.
Always let someone know where you'll be, and how long you generally expect to be there.
If you bring personal items to work, such as a radio, clock, or coffee pot, mark them with your name or initials, and an identification number
Report any broken or flickering lights, dimly lit corridors, or broken doors or windows. Be proactive - don't wait for someone else to do it.
Be discreet. Don't advertise your social life or vacation plans and those of your co-workers to people visiting or calling your place of work.
Take a look and be aware of these common trouble spots:
Reception area - Ensure that there is a panic button or silent alarm within the reach of the receptionist.
Stairwells - Report any dimly-lit stairwells, and do not travel alone when using them.
Elevator - Do not ride elevators with suspicious or out-of-place individuals.
Restrooms - Attackers can hide in stalls. Be aware of public restrooms, or only use locked restrooms that employees contain the keys to.
Parking lots or garages - Choose a well-lit, well-guarded parking garage. Always lock your car and roll the windows all the way up. Keep all valuable or uncommon items out of sight. Have your keys ready when you approach your car, and lock your car as soon as you get in - before you buckle your seat belt.